CVA Sidelock Rifle Information Manual

							BLACKPOWDER CHART SHOWING APPROXIMATE USE OF THE VARIOUS
GRANULATIONSÉ
FG(Commonly called Single ÒFÓ) The muzzleloading enthusiast finds
little use for this very coarse blackpowder. Its use is pretty much
restricted to the large bore (10, 8, 4 gauge) shotguns of yesterday.
FFG(Commonly called Double ÒFÓ) This is a very popular powder for
the larger (.45 to .58 caliber rifles). It is also used for 12, 16 and 20
gauge muzzleloading shotguns. While it is not considered a pistol
powder, it is sometimes used in very large caliber single shot pis-
tols.
FFFG(Commonly called Triple ÒFÓ) It  is used in all percussion revolvers,
most single shot pistols, and most of the smaller (under .45 cali-
ber) rifles.
FFFFG(Commonly called Four ÒFÓ) The finest of all currently available
blackpowders, Four ÒFÓ is best for priming flintlocks. Due to its lim-
ited use, it is sometimes difficult to obtain.
The second type of propellant acceptable for use in CVA muzzleloading
firearms is PYRODEX. Pyrodex is a propellant designed for use in percussion
rifles, pistols and shotguns found to be in good shooting condition by a compe-
tent gunsmith. Pyrodex relates closely to blackpowder on a volume to volume
basis, not the weight of the charge. In other words, a scoop type measure set to
dispense 100 grains of blackpowder will dispense roughly 72 grains of Pyrodex
(Pyrodex is bulkier). This lighter charge weight of Pyrodex will fill the measure
and provide a charge which is ballistically similar to 100 grains of blackpowder
of the appropriate granulation. Used in this manner, Pyrodex will yield approxi-
mately the same velocities and pressures as blackpowder. Pyrodex is currently
available in three granulations. These types and their uses are listed below:
PYRODEX RS (rifle & shotgun)Designed for use in all calibers of
percussion muzzleloading rifles
and shotguns. Pyrodex Select has
similar loading characteristics to
RS.
PYRODEX P (pistol powder)Designed for use in percussion
muzzleloading pistols and cap &
ball revolvers. Also used in small
caliber rifles.
PYRODEX CTG (cartridge powder)Designed for use in blackpowder
cartridges. This powder is not suited
for use in muzzleloading firearms.
The third type of propellant acceptable for CVA rifles is PYRODEX PEL-
LETS. Pyrodex Pellets are designed and intended for use only in newly manu-
factured sidelocks equipped with a Musket Cap ignition and a rate of barrel
twist of 1 in 32 or faster (Colorado MusketMagª).
7 
						

							Pyrodex Pellets for .50 caliber come in two grain equivalents (as of this
printing 2/99) Ð 50 grains and 30 grains for .50 caliber; 60 grains for .54 caliber.
Pellets may be combined into multiple pellet loads to create several different
grain equivalent loads.
Pyrodex Pellets contain a black ignitor on one end. For best ignition, this
ignitor end of the pellet should be placed into the barrel first.
When using Pyrodex Pellets in CVA rifles, the MusketMagª Musket Cap
ignition system is recommended and a saboted bullet is required. This system
provides the hotter flash necessary to ensure efficient ignition of the entire
pellet charge.
I. RECOMMENDED LOADING DATA - TABLE 1
The proper charge for any muzzleloading firearm is an efficient load which
provides consistent ignition and velocity while keeping breech pressures be-
low the maximum safe levels.
The shooter should load using the minimum and maximum charge limita-
tions shown in the table below. It is recommended to begin shooting using the
minimum charge, gradually increasing the load to obtain the desired results.
Tests have shown that heavier loads increase breech pressures while provid-
ing only a minor increase in velocity. These tests also indicate that heavier
loads are less accurate.
TABLE 1
CALIBER PROJECTILE PATCH CHARGES IN GRAINS
FIREARM DUAMETER-TYPE THICKNESS/INCHES MINIMUM MAXIMUM
.32 RIFLE .310 ROUND BALL .015     10 FFFG 30 FFFG
.36 RIFLE .350 ROUND BALL .015     40 FFFG 60 FFFG
.45 RIFLE .440 ROUND BALL .015   50 FFG 80 FFG
.50 RIFLE .490 ROUND BALL .015   50 FFG 100 FFG
.54 RIFLE .530 ROUND BALL .015   60 FFG 120 FFG
.58 RIFLE .562 ROUND BALL .020   60 FFG 120 FFG
.58 MUSKET .570 ROUND BALL .020   60 FFG120 FFG
.50 RIFLE .500 CONICALNONE   50 FFG 100 FFG
.54 RIFLE .540 CONICAL NONE   60 FFG120 FFG
.50 RIFLE .50 SABOT NONE   50 FFG 100 FFG
.54 RIFLE .54 SABOT NONE   60 FFG 120 FFG
.31 PISTOL .310 ROUND BALL NONE      5 FFFG 10 FFFG
.45 PISTOL .440 ROUND BALL .015     20 FFFG 40 FFFG
.50 PISTOL .490 ROUND BALL .015     20 FFFG 60 FFFG
J. PROJECTILES
The CVA catalog and warranty book list a variety of conical bullets and
saboted bullets that are proper for use in our firearms. All CVA bore diameters and
bullet diameters have been carefully designed to provide a safe optimum result
when used with our recommended powder charges and projectiles in the appro-
priate caliber.
DO NOT USE OVERSIZED CONICAL BULLETS IN YOUR CVA GUN. CVA
8 
						

							rifles are designed for use with bullets or sabots (not to be confused with Poly-
Patch) and most conical bullets. Some extremely large conical bullets cause
very high pressures due to poor fit to bore diameter, improper gas seal and
excessive mass. The use of any conical bullet over 400 grains or saboted bullet
over 300 grains  in a .50 caliber rifle could cause barrel damage resulting in a
non-warranty repair situation.
FOR BEST RESULTS WITH CONICAL BULLETS ALWAYS USE CVA
BUCKSLAYERª BULLETS. CVA Buckslayerª Bullets have been designed
for proper fit to CVA barrels, creating a superb gas seal for consistent accuracy
with any CVA rifle. Buckslayerª Bullets are easy to load, because of the knurled
sides and pure soft lead construction. The dimensions and weight of
Buckslayerª Bullets have been designed to deliver maximum down-range
energy, low recoil and the best possible accuracy. DEMAND BUCKSLAYERª
BULLETS!
CVA has no control over projectile bullet molds used by other manufacturers.
Our testing indicates most commercially available products by acknowledged manu-
facturers are safe to use in CVA firearms. If you have any questions concerning the
correctness of a component, write or call the CVA customer service department at
5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, Georgia 30071;  770-449-4687
    1. ROUNDBALLSÑwith patch are the tra-
ditional projectile of the muzzleloader
and provide superior accuracy and con-
sistency in all CVA firearms. Round balls
are best suited for firearms which have
a slower twist rifling, but will have ac-
ceptable accuracy in the faster twist
models also. (Figure 9-1D)
   2. CONICAL BULLETSÑsuch as the CVA Buckslayerª Bullet, Buffalo Bullet,
Maxi-Ball and others of this type provide superior accuracy in all CVA fire-
arms as well as increased knock down power desired by hunters. These
projectiles are best suited for use in fast twist rifling barrels which stabilize
the bullet more rapidly. They will also yield excellent accuracy in the slower
twist models. (Figure 9-1-A & B)
  3. SABOTED BULLETSÑDO NOT confuse the term sabot with poly patch.
Poly Patch is designed for use with round balls only and should be consid-
ered highly dangerous to use. Modern sabots from various manufacturers
have been tested and provide acceptable accuracy in CVA firearms when
complying with the sabot manufacturerÕs recommendations for usage. Best
results occur when using fast twist barrels - 1 in 32. When shooting
sabots, one patch cleaning between shots is necessary to maintain ac-
curacy. (Figure 9-1C)
Loads for conical bullets and sabots should not exceed the maximum load
recommended in Table 1.
9
NOTE: MUZZLELOADING PROJECTILES MUST BE MADE FROM PURE LEAD. LINOTYPE OR
WHEEL WEIGHT LEADS CONTAIN ANTIMONY WHICH CREATES AN EXTREMELY HARD, OVER-
SIZED PROJECTILE AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOAD.
Figure 1 
						

							Various manufacturers have introduced plastic sabots which are used with pistol bullets in
muzzleloaders. CVA and others have tested these sabots. Satisfactory results have been ob-
tained when following the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the sabots. It is important
to note that only those bullets recommended by the manufacturer of the sabot should be used.
Sabots MUST not be used with round balls.
K. PATCHES AND LUBRICANTS
1. The patch serves two purposes:
a. It is a gasket which seals the expanding
gases of burning powder.
b. It grips barrel rifling and ball to impart a spin
on the ball for stabilization and accuracy.
2. The patch material should be tightly woven but
compressible enough to fill the lands and grooves
of rifling, while gripping the lead ball surface.
3. Any round ball used in a muzzleloading rifle, shotgun or pistol with rifling should be patched.
4. All patches should be well lubricated prior to loading.
a. Lubricant should fully saturate, but not wet, fibers of patch enough to allow leakage into
the powder charge.
b. Lubricant should keep blackpowder fouling soft for easier cleaning.
c. CVA All Natural Slick Load Barrel Blasterª Solvent and Cleaner is recommended in
CVA guns.
5. See Table 1, Page 8 for recommended patch thickness for your specific round ball diam-
eter, caliber and firearm type.
6. The bullet projectiles do not require a cloth patch. They are pre-lubricated with CVA Grease
Patch or CVA Slick Loadª  All Natural Lube. By using your fingers, rub Grease Patch or
Slick Loadª Lube into the lubricating grooves of the bullet. Be sure that all sides are well
covered.
10
CAUTION: Do not use any type of plastic patch or sabot with a ROUND BALL with
any CVA firearm. When these patches are used, it is possible even under optimum
tolerances for the round ball to disengage from the patch or sabot resulting in the ball
moving forward in the barrel leaving a gap between the ball and the patch. Under this
condition the ball will act as an obstruction in the barrel, possibly causing injury or
death to the shooter or bystanders.
CAUTION: Be sure to choose the properly-sized bullet projectiles to achieve a precise
fit for your particular rifle; the bullet must not slide off the powder charge. A bullet
separated from the powder carge will create an obstruction which could damage the
rifle and possibly cause harm to the shooter. 
						

							L.LOADING AND SHOOTING CVA CAPLOCK MUZZLELOADERS
1. Put on shatterproof shooting glasses and insert ear plugs, as both percussion and flintlock
guns may shower sparks or bits of caps/flints when fired.
2.Verify the gun is unloaded.
a. Place a ramrod down barrel to breech plug and mark
ramrod at muzzle.
b. Remove ramrod and lay along outside of barrel, lin-
ing up mark at muzzle.
c. The other end of the ramrod should be at the bolster
(or touch hole for flintlock models). This practice shows
the gun is unloaded and should be disarmed before
proceeding.
3. Set hammer at half-cock and check that firearm cannot
be fired (that is, that the hammer cannot be moved) when the trigger is pulled. ÒHalf-cockÓ
refers to the notch which allows the hammer to rest above the nipple thus preventing the
firearm from firing when trigger is pulled. (Figure 10-1)
4. Clean all oil and grease from bore and breech area. (See Cleaning and Maintenance.)
5.
WITH THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, place a percussion cap on the
nipple. CVA percussion muzzleloaders use a #11 sized cap.
6. Fully cock the hammer and fire to dry out base of bore and nipple. Repeat this procedure
three times.
7.With muzzle pointed ÒupÓ and with no part of your body extended over the gun, pour a
measured charge (Figure 11-1) down the barrel (Figure 11-2). (See Suitable Charges,
Table 1).
11
Figure 10-1
CAUTION: Use a capper to place cap on the nipple as percussion caps are sensitive to pressure and
can explode under extreme finger pressure.
Pour BLACKPOWDER into powder measure.
Figure 11-1Pour measured powder charge into barrel.
Figure 11-2 
						

							8. Tap the butt of the rifle lightly on the ground to ensure that all powder drops into the
breech area of the gun.
9. Holding the rifle parallel to the ground with the lock side down, slap side of barrel in front
of lock. This will help to insure that powder will fully enter the bolster and nipple area,
greatly improving ignition of the powder charge.
10. For Patched Round Ball:
a. Center a well lubricated patch over bore. (Figure 12-1)
b. Press round ball with sprue (or flat portion) facing upward. (Figure 12-1)
c.
Using the short stud of a ball starter, firmly press patched ball just into muzzle. (Figure
12-2).
11. For Lubricated Conical Bullet:
a. Do not use a cloth patch.
b. Start the lubricated bullet into the bore with your fingers making sure it is centered.
c. Using the short stud of a ball starter, frimly press the bullet just into the muzzle.
12. Use longer end of ball starter to move patched ball or lubricated bullet about six inches
down the bore. (Figure 12-3)
13. With ramrod, push ball or bullet down on top of powder firmly, but without crushing the
powder. (Figure 12-4)
12
CAUTION: When using the ramrod, never grab it more than 8 inches above the muzzle.
To do so could cause a side stress; break the ramrod; and possibly puncture your
hand.
CAUTION: Do not pour a charge directly from horn or flask. If a smoldering ember is
present, it could ignite the powder in the container, as well as the powder charge, as it
is poured into the barrel. This excessive amount of powder could cause a dangerous
explosion. Therefore, be safety minded; use a powder measure or other small mea-
sured charging device.
Center lubed patch and ball (with sprue up) over bore.Figure 12-1Start patched ball into muzzle.Figure 12-2 
						

							IMPORTANT: Be sure ball or bullet is seated firmly against powder. No air space should exist
between ball and powder.
HELPFUL HINT: A good method to determine proper load depth is to insert ramrod when firearm
is fully loaded and mark ramrod at the point where it protrudes from the muzzle. This mark should
serve as a reference point each time you load. If the mark is above muzzle, you know ball is not
against powder and charge must be removed.
14.
WITH GUN POINTED IN SAFE DIRECTION and hammer at half-cock, place a per-
cussion cap on nipple. THE GUN IS NOW LOADED.
15. Pull hammer back to full-cock position and YOU ARE READY TO FIRE.
16. Take aim at the target and pull trigger to fire.
17. After firing, wait one minute to reload. This allows all remaining sparks in barrel to burn out
prior to reloading.
18. If a misfire or failure to fire occurs, wait at least one minute with gun pointed at the target.
a. Using the ramrod, reseat the ball or bullet on the powder.
b. Remove the nipple, place a small charge of fresh powder in bolster through nipple hole.
Replace the nipple.
c. Install a new percussion cap on the nipple. Be certain of the target and fire.
d. Never attempt to shoot out a projectile which is not firmly seated against powder charge.
The ball and powder charge should be removed using a ball puller.  (See instructions in
Section O on Pulling A Charge).
e. Go back to Step 1 and repeat, being sure bore and nipple are free of obstructions and
clean.
NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE, ALTER OR CHANGE POSITION OF THE PERCUSSION
BOLSTER OR BREECH MECHANISM. TO DO SO IS DANGEROUS AND WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY.
13
CAUTION: Wait at least one minute with gun pointed at target if misfire or failure to fire
occurs.
Drive patched ball down into barrel.Figure 12-3Ram patched ball firmly on powder.Figure 12-4
DANGER: Firing a muzzleloader or short starting with the ball or bullet off the powder or part
way up the barrel may cause serious damage to the firearm and possible injury to the shooter. 
						

							M.LOADING AND SHOOTING CVA FLINTLOCK MUZZLELOADERS
NOTE: To prepare a FLINTLOCK, sandwich the flint between a piece of leather and clamp it
between the two jaws of the hammer. The angle of the beveled edge of the flint should be
positioned so that when fired, it points toward the pan. With no powder in the pan or in the barrel,
attempt a few dry fires to verify the position of the flint and the amount of spark. Place a small
amount of powder in the pan and fire. This will dry out the pan and touch hole. Repeat this
function two or three times.
1. The basic instructions for loading and shooting a percussion muzzleloader also apply to
flintlocks, except that no percussion caps are required.
2. A flint should be placed between one or two pieces of leather and tightly inserted into
hammer. The beveled edge should face down and parallel. (Figure 14-1)
3. Refer to section LOADING AND SHOOTING OF PERCUSSION MUZZLELOADER. Fol-
low instructions up to and including Step 13.
4. Pick the touch hole with a nipple pick (CVA  AC1582) to insure that no obstruction is
blocking the hole before loading.
5.
WITH GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DI-
RECTION 
and hammer at half-cock,
prime the pan with FFFFG blackpowder.
Important: Use a Òprimer flaskÓ such as
CVAÕs AC1388 or another device specifi-
cally designed for this purpose. (Figure 14-
2)
6. Pull frizzen down over pan to keep powder
in place. THE GUN IS NOW LOADED.
7. Fully cock gun. YOU ARE NOW READY
TO FIRE.
8. When trigger is pulled, the flint will strike
the frizzen to shower sparks into the pan.
Both flint and frizzen must be completely
dry.
9. If a misfire or failure to fire occurs, wait at
least one minute with the gun pointed at
the target.
a. Wipe all powder burnt or unburnt from
the pan on the frizzen and flint. Then reseat ball.
b. Pick touch hole with a vent hole pick (small wire) to insure that the hole is unobstructed.
c. Reprime pan allowing a gap between powder and touch hole.
14
Figure 14-1
Figure 14-2 
						

							d. FIRE
e. If the gun fails to fire, refer to Section O, Pulling a Charge.
N. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Blackpowder and Pyrodex are very corrosive. Therefore, careful cleaning of your muzzle-
loading firearm is extremely important. If left uncleaned for any length of time the fouling will
cause rust, pits, and degradation of the metal particularly around threaded areas.
 
The barrel attaching system on most CVA firearms allows for the barrel to be removed for
easier cleaning without disassembly. The recommended cleaning procedure for most CVA
rifles, pistols, and shotguns follows.
NOTE: Before beginning this procedure make sure gun is unloaded. (See Section L, Step 2).
1. Remove the ramrod.
2. Depending on the model gun you have, tap out the wedge pin in the forearm or re-
move the screw in the bottom of the stock.
3. Pull the hammer to the full-cock position.
4. Lift the barrel out of the stock and remove the nipple or flash hole liner.
5. Attach a cleaning jag to the ramrod.
6. Place the breech end of the barrel into a pail of hot soapy water and push a wet patch down
the muzzle with the ramrod.
7. Pump the rod and patch up and down in the barrel, drawing soapy water into the barrel
through the nipple orifice. HELPFUL HINT: The bolster clean out screw on percussion
rifles can be removed for easier cleaning. If this is done, be certain that the screw is
cleaned separately before being installed.
8. Replace cleaning patches as often as needed until barrel is clean of all signs of fouling.
9. When completed, wipe off all excess water and dry barrel thoroughly.
10. Clean fouling on the stock, lock and exterior parts by wiping with an oily cloth.
11. Oil the barrel inside and out well and reassemble the firearm by reversing Steps 1-4. Lightly
coat the threads of the nipple and bolster screw or flash hole liner with grease.
15
WARNING: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ATTEMPTS BE MADE TO
REMOVE THE BOLSTER OR BREECH PLUG. THIS IS AN INTEGRAL PATENTED
SYSTEM WHICH CAN ONLY BE REMOVED OR INSTALLED BY QUALIFIED FAC-
TORY PERSONNEL. ANY FORM OF TAMPERING WILL VOID ALL WARRANTIES. 
						

							O. PULLING A CHARGE
Under normal conditions a muzzleloading firearm is unloaded
simply by firing it into a suitable and safe backstop. There are,
however, some conditions under which the firearm cannot be
fired and the charge must be pulled.
THE TWO MOST COMMON CONDITIONS ARE AS FOL-
LOWS:
1. If the ball or bullet is not seated firmly against the powder
charge, stop immediately! Do not attempt to fire the rifle or
pistol. You must pull the charge and clean the barrel.
2. If the rifle or pistol is loaded in a proper manner yet fails to fire after repeated attempts.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO PULL A CHARGE UNTIL THE POWDER HAS BEEN RENDERED IN-
ERT (DEACTIVATED).
Keep the muzzle downrange and remove all priming from the firearm. Carefully remove
the wedge and disengage the barrel from the stock. Lay the charged barrel on the ground using
extreme care to insure that its muzzle is always pointed in a safe direction. Secure a pail of water
(hot if possible) and submerge the breech section of the barrel into the water. Make certain that
at least 8 inches of the breech section is under water and allow the barrel to remain submerged
for at least one-half hour. The barrel should be transported only after water has totally saturated
the powder charge and rendered it inert. The charge should be pulled as follows:
Carry the barrel to an area where you have access to a strong vise and where you can
work without distraction. To insure that the charge has
not dried out and that it is completely inert, resoak the
breech section in very hot water. While the breech is
soaking, pour some hot water into the muzzle end (flush
with muzzle). This will soften powder fouling which has
accumulated in the bore and ease removal of the pro-
jectile.
After one-half hour, remove the barrel from the
water. Pour the water out of the muzzle and wipe away
excess water with a rag. Pad the jaws of your vise with
two blocks of wood and securely clamp your barrel so
that you have access to the muzzle end. Use care to
insure that the barrel is not marred in the process of
clamping it. Be equally certain that it is clamped securely.
Thread a Bullet Puller of the proper caliber onto
your ramrod and slip the ramrod into the bore until the
screw on the puller contacts the projectile. Rotate the
ramrod slowly clockwise as you tap lightly on the end of
16
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